Optimizing the Role of Parents in Supporting and Stimulating Early Childhood Development Through Educational Parenting Training in the Digital Era

Abstract

The transformation of the digital era demands adaptation in various aspects of life, including early childhood care. Parents, as the primary caregivers for children, face challenges in understanding their children's developmental needs while navigating the wise use of digital technology. Based on this background, this community service program aims to optimize the role of parents in supporting early childhood development through information technology-based educational parenting training. This activity is based on Bronfenbrenner's developmental ecology theory, a holistic stimulation approach, and Epstein's parental involvement theory, contextualized in the digital environment. The implementation method used a participatory training approach with 40 parents at the Al-Ikhlas Early Childhood Education Center (PAUD) in West Bandung. Evaluation instruments included pre- and post-test questionnaires, as well as observation sheets during the training. The training results showed a significant increase in parental knowledge and skills, particularly in utilizing technology to support children's learning and play activities. The program also strengthened parental awareness of the importance of positive parenting and digital control. The program concluded that educational parenting training is effective in equipping parents with the knowledge and skills to support optimal child development in the digital age.